Acupuncture Supports IVF Pregnancy Success
Today many couples are going through IVF and fertility treatments. At Tao of Wellness, we treat patients going through different stages of their fertility journey, including IVF treatments. We are honored to be a part of such a precious journey of creating a new family. Chinese medicine has been used in China for centuries to regulate and support the reproductive system and fertility. Today, acupuncture is the most common complementary natural therapy that people use for fertility in the United States. Our fertility support program at Tao of Wellness includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, nutrition, bodywork, meditation, and qi gong. All therapies are designed to support both female and male reproductive systems to increase pregnancy success. The reproductive system is complex, with many components working together harmoniously, like an orchestra. Having worked in the field of fertility for many years, I’m truly inspired by the human body. It is an amazing living system! The beautiful symphony of the reproductive system is created not only by your ovaries and uterus, plus male testes, but also by your nervous system, pituitary gland, thyroid and adrenal glands, immune system, liver, and your digestive system all working together.
Conception, pregnancy, and birth are truly a remarkable life process!
Today, scientific technology continues to advance in the area of reproductive medicine and IVF. At Tao of Wellness we collaborate with many reproductive endocrinologists and gynecologists to offer the best support possible for our patients. We strive to continuously improve our care so that we can help our patients overcome challenges in their fertility journey.
“How does acupuncture help with IVF and pregnancy?”
Among the many benefits of acupuncture is that it has been shown to increase pregnancy outcome of IVF. Research shows acupuncture can enhance hormonal balance of the embryo implantation stage of IVF and support overall hormonal status by releasing healthy neurotransmitters.
Stress reduction and relaxation are a major benefit too. Couples going through fertility treatments and IVF often experience high stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on fertility and the hormonal system. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce anxiety levels associated with infertility and IVF, as well as reduce stress hormones during the IVF cycle. Relaxation helps your body to become conducive and receptive to support the very beginning of new life in your uterus.
“When should I begin these acupuncture treatments?”
We recommend that you start acupuncture treatments before you begin your IVF medication phase, ideally three months before your IVF cycle. This is called “pre-conception care for IVF,” which enables our doctors to assess your body properly and help you start preparing your hormonal system, ovaries, uterus, and your overall health according to your specific needs for your IVF cycle.
However, if this pre-conception time is not possible, we recommend that you start treatments with us as soon as possible before or during your IVF medication phase (the follicular phase).
We recommend that you continue your acupuncture treatments throughout your IVF cycle. Research has shown that having ongoing acupuncture treatments during the follicular phase as well as before and after your transfer increases pregnancy outcome.Your IVF acupuncture support treatments usually consist of at least eight acupuncture sessions during your IVF cycle (twice a week) and more for best results during your pre-conception care period. Your doctor will discuss with you the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
“What is embryo transfer acupuncture support?”
This special acupuncture protocol is provided at your doctor’s office 30 minutes before your embryo transfer and immediately after your transfer. This treatment is designed specifically to support the success of embryo transfer and pregnancy outcome. Acupuncture helps to relax your nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and support your overall hormonal system as well as provide healthy blood flow to the uterine lining. Research has shown that embryo transfer acupuncture can increase pregnancy outcome.
“Can Acupuncture help with male fertility issues?”
Yes. Male factor infertility is very common. In fact, over 40 percent of couples experience this challenge on their fertility journey. Acupuncture can help improve the health of sperm for men, supporting the fertilization success of IVF. Research has shown that acupuncture has been shown to improve sperm morphology and quality. A preliminary study shows that acupuncture improves IVF/ICSI fertilization rate.
At Tao of Wellness, we are here to support every step of your fertility journey to help with your dreams of building a family. Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime if you have questions.